News

Over 800 Macon County Voters Take Advantage of Early Voting Period

Written by Jessie Ellefson

Published: Tuesday, October 19,2010

From now until Thursday, October 28th, registered voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for the November 2nd state and federal general election during the early voting period. As of press time, a total of 814 Macon County voters have already cast their votes during the early voting period, which began last Wednesday, October 13, 2010.

Tammy Smith, Administrator of Elections for Macon County, is encouraging all voters to take advantage of early voting.

“Local voters have come to enjoy the benefits and convenience of voting early,” Administrator Smith said. “Voters can vote at their convenience and not worry about rushing to the polls on Election Day.”

“In November 2008, approximately 58 percent of the registered voters in Tennessee took advantage of early voting,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “I expect a significant number of voters to vote early this election as well.”

Tennessee Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins kicked off the first day of early voting by casting his own ballot. A total of 165 voters also cast their ballots during the first day of the early voting period.

“Early voting is convenient and has become very popular in Tennessee,” Coordinator Goins said. “I know I will be busy on Election Day, so voting early ensures my vote will be cast within my schedule.It just makes sense to vote at a time convenient to me. I believe one million voters in Tennessee will take advantage of early voting this election.”

For people who cannot or would prefer not to vote on Election Day, early voting provides an additional 14-day period to cast ballots, including two Saturdays this election.

The daily breakdown of early voting numbers is as follows:

Sept. 1 through Oct. 12 – 34

Wednesday, Oct. 13 – 168

Thursday, Oct. 14 – 151

Friday, Oct. 15 – 191

Saturday, Oct. 16 – 82

Monday, Oct. 18 - 188

Macon County will be conducting early voting at the Macon County Election Commission office located at 111 East Locust St., Lafayette, TN 37083.The hours for early voting will be 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays.